Woman Hurt in Hit-and-Run Accident in Merced
Officials are investigating after a woman was hurt as a pedestrian in a hit-and-run accident in Merced on the late night of Sunday, August 29, 2021. The pedestrian accident occurred shortly after 11:10 p.m. in the area of S Street and 11th Street.
Details on the Woman Injured in a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident in Merced
According to the Merced Police Department (Merced PD), responding officers located an injured woman at the scene. She was said to have suffered moderate injuries and was transported via air ambulance to a hospital in the Modesto area for immediate treatment. An update regarding her condition was not immediately available.
Investigators with Merced PD have reported that the suspect vehicle is described as a pickup truck that is black in color. The make or model of the pickup has not yet been determined. Officials will be searching for any video surveillance footage in the area in hopes of finding the fleeing driver. Anyone with info on the incident is encouraged to contact Merced PD and request to speak with Officer N. Martinez on the case.
What You Should Know About the Claims Process for Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents
When a driver is involved in a motor vehicle collision and leaves the scene, the incident may be considered a hit-and-run accident. Under California law, any motorist or other party involved in a crash must stop and remain at the scene until they have exchanged information and ensured that aid is rendered, particularly for injured motorcycle riders, cyclists, and pedestrians. The unfortunate reality is that some drivers may still flee the scene for underlying reasons such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), operating a vehicle without liability coverage, and more. However, such reasons are no excuse to leave the scene of an accident, especially one causing injury to a pedestrian.
These traumatic situations may occur more often in Merced County and across California than you may expect, and many parties are hurt in them annually. Experiencing any type of traffic collision is stressful enough but getting injured in a hit-and-run accident may leave you feeling vulnerable and at a loss in terms of seeking compensation for losses incurred. When the at-fault party goes unidentified, there may be recourse for injuries and damages incurred under these circumstances. This is possible so long as you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) or a member of your household carries it. The latter is a viable option for recovery so long as you are not excluded from the insurance plan.
Working with an experienced injury lawyer may make the difference in these cases. An attorney may assist in seeking fair financial recovery and negotiating with the insurance company, whether that be your own or that of the at-fault party if they are later located by a private investigator retained by the lawyer handling your case. For information on how to find a top-rated personal injury lawyer in Merced, watch this video.
How Our Law Firm Can Help You
After getting injured in a hit-and-run accident as a pedestrian, your focus should be on recovering and getting your life back on track. Our attorneys can help you do just that by handling all aspects of your personal injury case, including:
- Gathering evidence such as traffic incident reports, photos of the accident scene, video surveillance footage in the area, medical records of accident-related injuries, and other forms of evidence necessary in proving the case
- Working with private investigators to track down the driver responsible for the hit-and-run
- Communicating and negotiating with the insurance company
- Preparing necessary court filings, responding to motions, and ensuring all criteria and deadlines are met in the claim
- Building a strong case to present in court if all attempts for a reasonable settlement have failed with the insurer
It is unsettling getting into a hit-and-run accident as you may be unfamiliar with the type of recourse available in your situation. Fortunately, our law firm is available anytime to answer your questions and determine your best course of action moving forward. Contact us today to learn more.
Personal Injury Attorney in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury attorney. As a pedestrian who was injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may have questions on how the at-fault party will be held liable for their negligence, in which is crucial you enlist the assistance of an experienced lawyer you can depend on, like ours at our law firm. Reach out to us today to learn how we may help you through this difficult situation at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. We are available anytime to meet with you to provide you free, friendly case advice.
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